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With reports consistently highlighting challenges regarding debt management, particularly credit card debt in Jamaica, to include poor usage and limited knowledge and understanding of how credit cards work, Rose Miller, financial education consultant with the JN Foundation, has issued a call for consumers to take these critical steps before getting a credit card.

Mrs Miller said although credit cards offer convenience, security and opportunities to build credit history, there are key factors to consider to help users make more informed decisions and manage credit effectively.

Establish the Reason for Acquiring the Card

She said before obtaining a credit card, individuals should first determine the intended purpose or purposes for acquiring the card. This approach, she explained, helps ensure that persons will select a card that aligns with their specific needs, emphasising that common reasons for getting a credit card include building credit history, managing cash flow, earning rewards or cashback, and accessing funds for emergencies.

Assess Your Eligibility

Mrs Miller said it is also important for consumers to carry out their own self-assessment to see whether they meet the specific criteria outlined by financial institutions for credit card applicants.

“While requirements may vary across financial institutions, meeting the basic criteria before applying significantly improves your chances of approval. For example, you will want to ensure you meet the minimum age requirement and have a stable income to demonstrate your ability to repay. Many institutions also assess your credit score, determined by your overall financial behaviour, so if you know you have significant debt and you are delinquent, that will likely impact your chances” she shared.

Understand Fees and Rates

The financial education consultant said each institution will likely have unique offerings and recommended looking for online reviews and details on fees and rates.

“Research and read all terms and conditions carefully to understand all associated costs,” she advised, pointing to some of the costs that consumers need to be aware of. These include interest rates, annual, foreign transaction and late payment fees, as well as cash advance fees.

Know the Credit Limit

She also encouraged individuals to familiarise themselves with their credit limit, the maximum amount they are allowed to charge using their credit card. She also advised keeping credit usage low to help maintain a healthy credit score.

“Consistently high credit usage may negatively impact your creditworthiness over time, since it can signal financial strain to lenders,” she explained.

Evaluate Rewards and Benefits

Mrs Miller advised consumers to carefully evaluate whether a credit card reward programme aligns with their spending habits. She said several credit cards are designed for local needs, with benefits such as discounts with partner merchants and cashback on everyday expenses.

She encouraged comparing cards to ensure the rewards offered are relevant and beneficial. However, she cautioned that “while rewards can be enticing, your spending should always remain within your budget. It’s not wise to overspend just to earn points or cashback.”

Learn How to Manage Your Card Responsibly

According to Mrs Miller, a credit card can be a valuable financial tool when managed wisely. She highlighted several tips for effective management, including paying off the outstanding balance in full and on time each month to avoid interest charges, setting up alerts through mobile banking or other apps to ensure payment deadlines are met, and regularly monitoring statements to catch unauthorised transactions or errors.

“By establishing the purpose for applying for the card, researching your options, and managing your card responsibly, you can enjoy the benefits without falling into debt,” she said. “A credit card is a good instrument to have, it can help save time, money and build credit. But how you use it is critical. It requires discipline and careful planning to ensure you enjoy the benefits and avoid the many pitfalls which can lead to it becoming a financial burden.”

Donating blood is a simple yet powerful way to help save lives. Here’s your opportunity to make a real impact!

The National Helmet Wearing Coalition (NHWC), in collaboration with the JN Foundation, will be hosting a blood drive at the Cornwall Regional Hospital in Montego Bay on Saturday, April 12, 2025. Join us in making a difference!

Motorcycle-related crashes account for some 30 per cent of all road fatalities, placing immense pressure on the healthcare system, which is already experiencing a low supply of blood. According to data from the National Blood Transfusion Service (NBTS), to function efficiently the NBTS requires 60,000 units of blood annually but collects only half of that amount each year.

Can’t make it to Montego Bay? You may also consider visiting any of the NBTS collection centres across the country.

Here are five compelling reasons to roll up your sleeve and donate:

1. You Can Save Lives

A single blood donation can save up to three lives. Blood is essential for accident victims, patients undergoing surgery, those battling cancer, and individuals with conditions like sickle cell anaemia. By donating blood, you provide a critical resource that hospitals and medical facilities need to treat patients effectively.

2. You Never Know When You or a Loved One Might Need it

Emergencies are unpredictable, and anyone can find themselves in need of a blood transfusion at some point. By donating blood regularly, you help maintain a stable blood supply, ensuring that it is available when needed for yourself, your family, or a friend.

3. It is a Quick and Simple Process

Donating blood typically takes about an hour, including registration, a brief health screening, and the donation itself. The actual blood draw lasts approximately 10 minutes. This short commitment can have a lasting impact on your or someone’s life.

4. It’s Healthy!

Donating blood offers health benefits to you, the donor. Regular blood donation (every three months) can help reduce harmful iron levels in the body, lowering the risk of heart disease. Additionally, you will receive a mini health check-up, which includes monitoring blood pressure, pulse, and haemoglobin levels which can help you stay informed about your overall health.

5. Blood Can’t be Manufactured

Despite medical advancements, there is no synthetic substitute for human blood. It must come from healthy donors who are willing to give. This makes every donation critical to ensuring that hospitals have a sufficient supply for those in need.

Giving blood is a small act with a significant impact. It’s safe and deeply rewarding. If you are eligible to donate, consider making it a habit. Your generosity could mean the difference between life and death for someone in need. Schedule your donation today and become a lifesaver!

Photo Caption: Martin Gooden, a dedicated volunteer addresses members of the JN Circle.

Martin Gooden, a dedicated volunteer with more than 45 years of service to the Jamaica Red Cross, highlighted the transformative power of volunteerism during a recent JN Circle event at the ROK Hotel in Kingston.

Speaking under the theme “The Gift of Community: Reflecting on a Year of Success,” he urged attendees to embrace the values of compassion, resilience, and lifelong learning to create positive change in their communities.

“By embodying compassion, resilience, and a commitment to lifelong learning, volunteers can transform lives and strengthen communities,” Mr Gooden affirmed.

In his address, Mr Gooden outlined the core traits of exceptional volunteers, emphasising empathy, adaptability, effective communication, integrity, and teamwork.

“At the heart of exceptional volunteering lies profound empathy,” he said. “Remarkable volunteers connect deeply with the causes they serve, extending kindness and understanding to create meaningful, lasting change.”

Flexibility, he added, is essential for overcoming challenges. “Volunteering often demands adaptability. Embrace the unexpected, adjust to changing circumstances, and maintain a steady focus on the goal,” he advised.

Mr Gooden, a consultant at JN Money Services Limited, inspired the gathering of JN Circle chapters by reminding them that their efforts do not only transform communities, but also empower personal growth.

“By embracing the qualities of exceptional volunteers, we can truly change the world, one act of service at a time,” he said.

In addition to his motivational charge, Mr Gooden commended the JN Circle network for its impressive contributions in 2024. The group, supported by the JN Foundation, received approval for 13 community projects through 10 chapters across Jamaica. Each project was funded with grants of up to $1.5 million.

Omar Wright, Lead for Environment and Community Development at the JN Foundation, applauded the JN Circle chapters across the country and overseas for their dedication.

“Your impactful projects, such as furnishing the Port Antonio Women’s Centre, installing a solar system at the Candle in Dark shelter, and the equipping of a computer lab and upgrading of a playground by JN Circle Morant Bay for the St Thomas Parish Library and Chapel Hill Basic School respectively, exemplify the power of collective action in transforming communities” he stated.

Meanwhile, other projects included the upgrading of play areas for basic schools by the JN Circle Westmoreland, Santa Cruz and Gayle, Ocho Rios and St Mary, a rainwater harvesting system and Ferncourt High School and introducing a reading programme in Alligator Pond,

Shana-Lee Coley Smith, a representative of the St Thomas Parish Library, highlighted the significant impact the refurbishment of the computer lab has had on the institution.

“Since the donation, the computer lab is constantly filled with library users completing assignments, browsing social networking sites, and accessing job resources. Most importantly, we restarted the basic computer training session for seniors, with 11 participants beginning training in November 2024,” she shared.

The JN Circle is a global network of JN members and customers who leverage the JN Group’s resources to serve as advocates and community change agents. With 17 chapters spanning all 14 parishes and active groups in Toronto, Canada, and London, England, the JN Circle continues to make meaningful contributions to community development.

Photo Caption: Claudine Allen (left), General Manager of the JN Foundation, helps a student of Chapel Hill Basic School enjoy the seesaw, as Norman Hinds, President of the JN Circle Morant Bay chapter, and Nina Peters, Business Relationship and Sales Manager at JN Bank, look on with smiles.

Several studies have emphasised that play is an essential part of a child’s cognitive, social, and physical development. In recognition of this important aspect of childhood development and its commitment to early childhood education, the JN Foundation, through the JN Circle Morant Bay chapter, recently established the first-ever playground at Chapel Hill Basic School in its 60 years of existence.

Chapel Hill Basic School has nurtured some prominent Jamaicans over its 60-year history, including 2020 Olympic Gold medallist over the 110-metre hurdles, Hansle Parchment.

Principal, Nadine Richards-Gowie, expressed gratitude for the donation, highlighting the impact on students’ learning experiences.

 “The children now have a secure area to play and [the] play equipment will enhance coordination and the development of muscles,” she noted. The school currently accommodates 42 students and is staffed by three teachers.

Norman Hinds, president of the JN Circle Morant Bay chapter, underscored the necessity of the initiative.

“We selected this project because we saw the need for the children to have a play area to engage in more activities that contribute to their development,” he said.

The playground features a variety of equipment, including swings, a slide, and monkey bars, all designed to support the physical and cognitive growth of the students. Hinds noted that the project has been met with enthusiasm from both the school and the community.

“My members are elated and happy to have [undertaken] the project for this school. Now that it has become a reality, we are feeling joyful, happy, and glad,” he added.

Mr Hinds also highlighted the school’s importance to the local community and reiterated the value of the initiative.

“We are proud to contribute to the children’s growth and development, ensuring they have access to facilities that enrich their learning experience.”

General Manager of the JN Foundation, Claudine Allen, also welcomed the opportunity to enrich the lives of the children.

“It is indeed a pleasure to share in an important part of the experience of every child who learns at Chapel Hill Basic School,” she remarked. “Play is an essential part of children’s growth, aiding in the development of motor skills, cooperation, and cognitive abilities. Having safe facilities for children to play in is critical in every early childhood education institution.”

Ms Allen also acknowledged the role of the church in supporting education in Jamaica, commending its longstanding commitment to nurturing young minds.

She also expressed hope that as the government continues to implement standards for safe play areas, more schools will benefit from similar facilities.

“Chapel Hill Basic School is now ahead of many other institutions, and we dream with you that one day, what you have will become the standard nationwide,” Miss Allen said. She noted that Global Schools Play Day is recognised annually in February, with February the 5th celebrated by UNICEF and Ministry of Education, Youth, and Information as Play Day JA.

Mrs Richards-Gowie is confident that the new play area will positively impact the school by attracting more interest from parents and ensuring students develop essential motor skills and socialization skills.

“Playing is an important part of children’s lives, and with this development, parents can be assured that their children are receiving holistic growth,” she said.

Photo Caption: Sydoney Preddie (second right), Lead for Youth and Education Programmes at the JN Foundation presents a gift to Jaison McIntosh (centre) after making a courtesy call on the JN Foundation team. Sharing in the moment are his parents, Garnet (right) and Patrice Neil-McIntosh and his brother, Justin (left).

Seventeen-year-old Jaison McIntosh, a recent graduate of Westlake High School in Thornwood, New York, and a second-generation Jamaican by birth, is overjoyed after recently winning the Union of Jamaican Alumni Associations (UJAA) High School Graduate Awards and Essay Competition.

Organised by UJAA, the competition celebrates Jamaican heritage and is open to US high school seniors of Jamaican descent. Now in its 35th year, the competition aims to inspire students to share their perspectives and personal experiences with different cultures. The prize, a trip to Jamaica, offers winners an opportunity to deepen their connection to Jamaican life and culture.

Jaison, who is now attending the State University of New York at Albany and majoring in accounting with an interest in finance, credited his mother for encouraging him to enter the competition.

“My mom brought up the idea, and at first, I was hesitant because I didn’t really want to write an essay. But she kept advocating, saying it was a great opportunity, and I should take advantage of it,” he shared.

His efforts paid off when he was announced as one of the top prize winners, earning two tickets to Jamaica.

“My heart was beating as they read the names. I thought maybe I didn’t win anything. Then, they got to the two tickets to Jamaica, and I heard my name. It was so exciting—we were all screaming, and my mike was still on, so they could hear everything!” he recalled.

While in Jamaica, Jaison made a courtesy visit to the JN Foundation team, who congratulated him on his achievement. The JN Foundation, which focuses on youth, education, and the Diaspora, has supported UJAA for many years, providing winners with opportunities to engage with Jamaican professionals and gain exposure to the country’s business sector.

Chevanese Peters, Project Coordinator at the JN Foundation, encouraged Jaison to keep his options open as he pursues his interests in music and finance.

“You can focus on one or all; you have the benefit of youth. But set your foundation right, as that provides security and the freedom to make choices later,” she advised.

Sydoney Preddie, Lead for Youth and Education Programmes at the JN Foundation, also offered Jaison advice, emphasising patience.

“By your final year of study, you gain greater clarity as you prepare to enter your professional field, as you’ll be more mature and better equipped to make decisions about your career path,” she said.

For Jaison, returning to Jamaica was a fantastic experience. His parents, Garnet and Patrice Neil-McIntosh, both Jamaicans, were equally proud of their son.

During the meeting, Jason passionately expressed his deep love for Jamaica, recounting his experiences both in Jamaica and abroad as a proud Jamaican descendant. His reflections painted a vivid picture of his connection to his heritage, highlighting the cultural influences such as Reggae music that have shaped his journey. He also shared that he was documenting his visit with his camera.

Jaison’s accomplishments extend beyond the essay competition. At Westlake High School, he excelled academically, taking courses in statistics, pre-calculus, biology, U.S. history, government, and macroeconomics. He was a member of the National Honor Society and the Spanish Honor Society, and his extracurricular activities included the Spanish Club, Stage Crew, Jazz Band, Math Club, and participation on the Lacrosse and Football teams.

Reflecting on his heritage, Jaison encouraged other Jamaican students to participate in the competition.

“Just write about your experiences, what you grew up with, and your culture. Be yourself and write about yourself,” he advised.

The UJAA, a non-profit umbrella organisation representing more than 60 alumni associations of Jamaican schools and other educational institutions, continues to foster connections among students of Jamaican heritage through initiatives like this competition.

Photo Caption: Jennifer Martin, JN Foundation board member presents Xiomara Gordon, the 2024 JN Foundation PEP Scholar for Kingston, with her certificate during the JN Foundation scholarship award ceremony at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston recently.

Despite women remaining underrepresented in careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM), and engineering specifically where they occupy less than 20 per cent of engineering-related positions worldwide (according to the Society of Women Engineers), Xiomara Gordon, the 2024 JN Foundation Primary Exit Profile (PEP) scholarship recipient for Kingston, is determined to make her mark in the field.

Inspired by her love of problem-solving and innate curiosity sparked by online videos, Xiomara believes a career in engineering is the perfect match for her talents. It has been an area of interest for the Vaz Preparatory alumna since age six. She is now a first former at Campion College in St Andrew.

“I’ve been watching videos about engineering, and it looks like such an exciting and creative field. I love figuring out how things work too, so I feel like this career would be a perfect fit for me,” she said.

Although she has not yet decided on a specific engineering discipline, she is already charting a path forward, with plans to pursue her studies in Germany. She began laying the groundwork for her engineering journey as early as 2021, when she purchased the book, The 50 Greatest Engineers by Paul Virr and William Potter.

Looking ahead, she plans to join her new school’s engineering club and continue excelling academically, ensuring she meets the requirements for admission into top engineering programmes.

Xiomara has already built an impressive academic record. After sitting her PEP exams at Vaz Prep earlier this year, she received awards for Most Outstanding Performance in Mathematics and Language Arts and awards for Outstanding Performance in Science and Ability.

Campion College was her dream school and in addition to passing for the institution of her first choice, her PEP grades earned her one of the five-year JN Foundation scholarships, for which she simply said she is grateful to receive. She was among 37 scholarship recipients recognised for their PEP achievements at the JN Foundation PEP Scholarship awards reception held at the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston recently.

“The PEP exams were ok, they weren’t hard,” she said adding that, “I really wanted a scholarship and I’m thankful that I got the JN scholarship.”

Besides her interest in engineering, Xiomara likes tennis. She is also an active member of the Crochet and Key Clubs at Campion.

Her mother, Kerrian Johnson, who works in property management and administration, said she is proud of her daughter’s work ethic, independent nature and drive for success.

“She has high standards, and her teachers will tell you, if she gets 98 per cent she cries. Xio has always been a focused child and continues to be that way throughout school. I am her biggest cheerleader and supporter,” she said.

Describing her daughter as creative and bubbly, especially around family, Ms Johnson shared how she enjoys watching Xiomara explain complex concepts and break down difficult principles for her peers. She added that her daughter also has a passion for building with Legos.

With a background in marketing and public relations, Ms Johnson said she fully supports her daughter’s ambitions and is excited to see her make waves and break barriers in STEM.

“I want Xio to know that she can go and be anything she wants to be, whether it’s in Germany or anywhere else. When she was little, she always said she wouldn’t leave me, but I tell her all the time to go and explore the world, understanding that wherever I am is home,” Ms Johnson noted as she expressed gratitude to the JN Foundation for providing Xiomara with a scholarship.

“I was happy to get the news, and I really wanted this. It will certainly assist with her educational expenses,” Ms Johnson said.

Photo Caption: Chevanese Peters (left), project coordinator at the JN Foundation presents diapers, food supplies and milk-based products to Monsignor Gregory Ramkissoon, founder of Mustard Seed Communities. Sharing in the moment is Omar Wright, lead, environment, and community development programmes at the JN Foundation. The presentation took place on Thursday, December 19 at My Father’s House on Mahoe Drive in Kingston. The JN Group through the JN Foundation made the presentation under its ‘Comfort for Christmas’ initiative, which is supported by members of staff at The Jamaica National Group. The initiative is in its third year.

Support for the Mustard Seed Communities has been bolstered with a generous donation from the JN Foundation, the philanthropic arm of The Jamaica National Group, to help address the increasing needs of the approximately 500 residents across Jamaica in its care.

The donation, which included nearly 4,000 diapers, canned foods, and milk products, comes at a critical time as the organisation expands its care to include 58 Haitian children. The donation was made by members of staff of The JN Group.

Father Garvin Augustine, executive director of Mustard Seed Communities International, expressed gratitude for the support, noting the significant impact such contributions have on the lives of the children and the organisation’s ability to provide for their diverse needs.

“Every little thing makes a difference,” he said at the official handover of the items recently at the Mustard Seed Communities’ Mahoe Drive location in St Andrew. “This donation allows us to bring dignity and joy to the children we care for, many of whom have special needs,” he added.

The JN Foundation’s initiative, ‘Comfort for Christmas’, now in its third consecutive year, focuses on providing much-needed supplies to support the day-to-day operations of Mustard Seed’s apostolates in St James, St Ann, Kingston, St Andrew, St Catherine, and Manchester. This year’s contribution included items essential for the care of children who rely on feeding tubes and specialised dietary products.

Candice Nichols, social impact assessment officer at the JN Foundation, highlighted the growing demand for food and basic supplies following the Mustard Seed’s acceptance of Haitian children in need of care at the Jacob’s Ladder apostolate in St Ann earlier this year.

“We acknowledged the increased need and made an effort to include canned food this year alongside our regular donations of diapers and milk products,” Ms Nichols said.

She disclosed that the JN Foundation’s continued support of Mustard Seed Communities extends beyond the holiday season, with past contributions including emergency aid after Hurricane Beryl. Nichols is urging others to contribute, emphasising that even small donations can make a meaningful impact.

“Sometimes people hesitate to give because they think their contribution isn’t enough,” she explained. “But whether it’s one pack of diapers or $1,000 Jamaican dollars, every effort adds up to help us meet the needs of these children.”

Ms Nichols further stated that with the latest donation, the JN Group through the JN Foundation has reaffirmed its commitment to partnering with Mustard Seed Communities in their shared mission to improve the lives of Jamaica’s most vulnerable citizens.

Mustard Seed Communities care for children with disabilities, abandoned children, and marginalised groups, requiring continuous support. They provide shelter, food, medical supplies, therapeutic interventions, and basic household items. Father Garvin Augustine emphasised that donations of any kind, whether financial or in-kind, help sustain the mission and ensure the children’s wellbeing.